Seed structure and germination in Cuscuta pedicellata with some notes on C. campestris

Dry seeds of Cuscuta pedicellata have a deeply pitted surface due to invaginated epidermal cell walls. After water uptake these walls bulge outwards and the seed surface becomes papillose. The seed coat consists of an epidermis, two palissade cell layers, and a multiple layer of parenchyma cells. The epidermis contains starch and mucilage, the parenchyma cells are compressed but some contain starch. The endosperm consists of starch–filled cells, but has a peripheral aleuron layer. The endosperm cell walls are gelatinous. The variable structure of the seed coat epidermis is believed to function in wind dispersal and rapid water uptake. Seed dormancy is common in the genus, but does apparently not occur in C. pedicellata.